HOME /

FAQ

Is there equipment that can be checked out for sampling or field work?

Yes.  There are items that can be checked out with permission from the Laboratory Manager (and in some cases other faculty members).  The list below is not exautive, so if you are looking for something specific please contact the Laboratory Manager.  Right now items that can be checked out for sampling or field work include:
  • Camera
  • 3D scanner
  • Portable light box for photos and scanning
  • Dremel and other saws
  • Dental picks, tweezers, and clippers

What safety equipment is provided?

All laboratory spaces provide gloves and face coverings which should be used appropriately.  Gloves, masks, safety glasses, and face shields are available for use.  The FAS Division of Science provides lab coats at no cost to labs at both the Northwest Labs Building (B3 level) and the Bio-labs Building (16 Divinity Avenue entrance).

Wet chemistry spaces are equipped with eyewash stations, shower stations, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, flashlights, chemical spill kits, and fume hoods.  All other spaces have first aid kits and flashlights.

Who may use the laboratory?

Anyone affiliated with the Anthropology Department is eligible to become a registered user of the laboratory.  Individauls affiliated with EPS, the MCZ, and the Peabody Museum also can become registred users.  Other individuals should contact the Laboratory Manager for more information.  Anyone wanting to work in the labs is requried to complete a Safety Orientation with the Lab Manager before beginning work.

What is the procedure for requesting access to the labs?

 

  • Contact the Laboratory Manager
  • Complete the General Laboratory Safety (Environmental Health and Safety or EH&S) course from the Harvard Training Portal and the yearly refresher, General Laboratory Safety Refresher (EH&S) 
  • Complete the Fire Extinguishers (EH&S) course from the Harvard Training Portal
  • For working in Archaeology Multi-User Lab (AMUL) or Ancient Biomolecules Lab (ABML), complete the Laboratory...
Read more about What is the procedure for requesting access to the labs?

Where do I store my stuff?

Registered users will be assigned shelves or drawers where they may store their project materials during the course of the project.  Please make sure everything is labeled properly. All chemicals or shared equipment, must be stored properly.  Any dangerous materials (e.g., strong acids, flammable liquids) must be labeled and stored properly in the designated areas. All bench space, tabletops, and fume hoods are considered common-use. Tubes and containers must be labeled with your initials and date or they will be subject to disposal.

Long term storage in the labs is...

Read more about Where do I store my stuff?

Which supplies may I use?

All glassware, equipment, and multiuse items are common use.  Please clean glassware and other items properly after use.  If anticipating extended used of equipment (oven, dessicator, fume hood, layout space) please reserve it so people know and make sure the space is properly labeled so the Lab Manager knows who is using the space.

For single use items (pipette tips, tubes, microscope slides), fair use rules apply.  If you are anticipating using a high volume of consumbles, please contact the Lab Manager.  Please dispose of single use items in the...

Read more about Which supplies may I use?

How do I order supplies?

There is a yearly budget for shared equipment, single use consumables, and other general use supplies.  For larger projects or projects that require expensive consumables or additional equipment other funding sources need to be sequred.

If you have funding and would like to have additional equipiment or chemicals in the lab, please see the lab manager before purchasing any items especially equipment or chemicals in order to ensure proper storage and safety requirements.